The Launceston Church Grammar School Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp got under way for the ninth time yesterday, with 15 children from Launceston and one from Hobart.

The children, who are aged from six to 16, have some kind of special need and will spend the weekend with their Grammar buddies swimming, cruising the Tamar River, doing craft and other activities.

It is also the first time for many of the participants' parents to be away from their child, so it gives them a well-earned break.

Camp co-ordinator Carol Bennett said yesterday that was a key message of the experience for the 50 Grammar students who act as buddies, supporters and assistants.

"Sometimes we really don't understand how fortunate we can be just for how we are born," Ms Bennett said.

"It's something we don't understand - the self-sacrifice these parents do for their child.

"And at this busy time of year, it just gives them a break for a few days."

The students took part in training and have volunteered their time, along with about 36 adults that include nurses, doctors and parents from within the school community to run the camp.

Ms Bennett said it gave the students a greater understanding as well as compassion.

The school is the only one in Tasmania to offer such a weekend.